From Christine and the Queens to Big Freedia

Whether we consciously realize it or not, our every action shapes us in some way, be it big or small, and helps us learn a little bit more about ourselves. And the human impulse to create is perhaps among the most telling. We don't create or absorb art out of the need for survival, although it may sometimes feel like it—we do it because it helps us become more connected to the people around us and most importantly, our true identities.

Ahead, we ask 15 artists about the impact of creativity and self-expression in relation to their identity.

Photo via Christine and the Queens

Christine and the Queens, musician

I think my creativity helped me accept the fact that my identity was fluid and constantly moving. Thanks to my creativity, thanks to the dancing, to the writing and singing—which are tools to basically shapeshift—you get to actually be this neutral energy. I’m not sure about my identity, but I’m writing myself many roles to play, many characters, many desires, and I get to be everything and nothing at the same time. So I thank my creativity all the time; without it I would probably feel terrible to be who I am, when I don’t even know who I am.